HerbHealtH is all about attaining good health via natural & herbal ways. Today, people are well aware of the fact that Herbal alternatives are safe, gentle and work in harmony with the body system as compared to pharmaceutical medicines. The new mantra today is to go natural, as everything around us is too polluted with chemicals and synthetic stuff. The more we use things from Nature's bounty the better it is for our overall health. Let's go back to our roots, by opening up our Grandma's treasure chest box & use what Nature has given us in plenty.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar
For centuries, Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for various household and cooking purposes. It has been an ancient folk remedy, claimed to help with all sorts of health problems some of which are also supported by the human studies.

ACV is a type of vinegar prepared from cider (fermented alcoholic beverage made from unfiltered apple juice) or apple must. This tonic can do wonders to your skin, hair and body as a whole! Some studies have found ACV to be helpful in fighting diabetes, cancer, heart problems, high cholesterol and weight loss. 
In this post, let’s learn about the plentiful benefits of miraculous Apple Cider Vinegar that can keep us fit and healthy-
  • ACV Strengthens the Immune System- ACV improves the conditions for the growth of intestinal friendly bacteria that can help improve the overall immunity. Those who take ACV regularly, experience fewer colds, sinus congestion and allergies.
  • ACV Cleanses the Lymphatic System- Apple cider vinegar helps to break up mucous and cleanses the lymph nodes. Research suggests that this vinegar can treat allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink to help sinus drainage.
  • ACV Soothes Sore Throat- To treat sore throat, take a teaspoon of ACV and a 3 tsp of honey in a glass of warm water to help you heal.
  • ACV Improves Digestion- ACV contains minerals and trace elements, pectin, acetic acid, malic acid, enzymes, amino acids and many other beneficial nutrients that aid digestion. Taking a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water around 15 min before meals to helps stimulate digestive juices for the breakdown of food. ACV can also be useful as a mild laxative to stimulate peristalsis in cases of occasional constipation.
  • ACV lowers High Blood Pressure- Some studies propose that apple cider vinegar may lower hypertension. It’s possible that ACV increases nitric oxide production that helps relax blood vessels, and results in the lowering of high blood pressure.
  • ACV Helps to Detox the Body- Research shows that drinking diluted apple cider vinegar can help to detoxify and cleanse your liver. A tablespoon of ACV in a large glass of water before each meal is recommended as an effective dosage for detoxification. It can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.
  • ACV Balances pH of the Body- Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. Research shows that higher acid levels/ lower pH level leads to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection. Drinking a tablespoon of AVC diluted with a glass of water will certainly help boost up your energy levels and maintain pH levels.
  • ACV Cures Heartburn- Research studies suggest that regular ACV in water is believed to work by correcting low acid conditions in the stomach, hence reducing heartburn. Note that ACV will not give relief if you have an ulcer.
  • ACV Helps Prevent Diabetes- Studies suggest that ingesting ACV with water helps improve insulin sensitivity (particularly in those who are insulin-resistant), which, in turn, may delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. ACV is full of acetic acid which appears to slow down the digestion of simple carbohydrates, thus regulating blood sugar levels.
  • ACV Cures Hiccups- A teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar can also be taken as a remedy as its sour taste could stop a hiccup in its tracks! Isn’t this a better way to over stimulate the nerves in the throat responsible for the spasms and cancel out the message to hiccups?
  • ACV Helps Prevent Candida- ACV is rich in acetic acid and malic acid that can help rid your body of candida- yeasts (fungus) present in the intestine! Candida is blamed for creating symptoms of poor memory, fatigue, sugar cravings and yeast infections. These natural acids present in ACV are believed to have antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties and can help control the spread of this fungus in the intestine and thus keep a check on the symptoms.
  • ACV for Weight Loss- Having a glass of apple cider vinegar drink (1 tablespoon in a glass of water) 15 min before meal not only improves digestion, it helps you eat fewer calories. Acetic acid found in ACV has been known to suppress the accumulation of body fat and liver lipids. A study in obese individuals has shown a reduction in the belly fat and waist circumference on regular vinegar consumption.
  • ACV Relieves Leg Cramps- Having a glass of apple cider vinegar drink can increase low potassium levels in the body, a suspect in night-time leg cramps.
  • ACV and Skin Benefits- Apple cider vinegar has long been recommended as a skin tonic. Apple cider vinegar works well as an astringent too. Dab diluted apple cider vinegar to your face. This application also helps treat age spots, blemishes, fine lines, pimples and acne scars. Holistic experts also suggest taking it orally as well as adding it to salt bath to draw impurities out of your skin. 
  • ACV Heals Sunburns- Add a cupful of apple cider vinegar to your bath to neutralize the burn. Soaking for 10 minutes will soothe the skin and help restore skin’s pH levels. This treatment would also help get rid of body odour.
  • ACV as a Natural Aftershave- Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, and apply to the face after shave. This solution can help soothe your skin and make it soft. The smell of this aftershave will dissipate with a little time.
  • ACV Cures Dandruff- Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water ad store in a spray bottle. Shake and spray onto your hair after shampoo, let sit for 15 minutes and rinse with water. Try this remedy twice a week. Studies suggest that the acids present in ACV woul not allow the fungus to survive that contributes to dandruff.
  • ACV can Whiten Teeth- Rub apple cider vinegar directly on the teeth then rinse with water to remove stubborn stains. For a less abrasive whitening mouthwash, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water, then swish around in your mouth.
  • ACV Removes Bad Breath- Acids present in apple cider vinegar can reduce bacteria present in mouth that cause bad breath. Add a tablespoon to 1/3rd cup of water and gargle it to minimize bad breath.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Want to Lose Weight? Eat a Handful of Almonds

Obesity is a perennial issue that is affecting people of all age groups. A study published in the ‘Journal of Obesity’ reveals the benefits of eating almonds for weight loss. People who try to cut down on their food intake, search for snack alternatives other than nuts because of their high fat and calorie content. Almonds, being an exception, are a great source of heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acids.

Studies conducted by a group of researchers show that almonds being dense in nutrients can help in weight loss. Oleic acid is the primary monounsaturated fat in almonds and it has been associated with a reduction in unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart disease.

Almonds also contain good levels of minerals such as manganese, copper and magnesium as well as B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin and biotin. These nutrients are integral to the cellular processes that activate energy production within the body. Anything that helps you to feel more active and energetic can only be a good thing for losing weight.

Almonds can effectively help suppress the cravings. These nuts also contain fiber which contributes to minimizing hunger pangs by preventing fats and calories to be absorbed by the body. Fiber binds the fat thus preventing it from reaching the intestinal wall and instead will be flushed out.

Another nutritional factor that makes almonds so good for reducing body fat is their high levels of protein. Raising the levels of protein and healthy fats in your diet while diminishing processed carbohydrates will help trigger the process of weight loss.

Research studies from the ‘International Journal of Obesity’ have revealed that people eating a restricted diet with added almonds lose considerably more weight than those who consume restricted diet with the same calories of added complex carbohydrates.

A handful of almonds is not only better for you and will fill you up for longer than grain-based foods, they seem to have a more pronounced effect on weight loss, even when calories are measured by scientists to be identical.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Effective Remedies for Nausea and Vomiting

Vomiting is a biological defense mechanism, which refers to the forceful oral expulsion of stomach contents. It is multifactorial in origin and can be caused due to spinning too fast on a ride, motion sickness, certain drugs, gastroenteritis, surgery, pregnancy, disgusting sights & smells, etc. 

It includes symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, headache, and other symptoms depending on the reason causing vomiting. Other symptoms may be an elevation in the heart beat or change in the body temperature. 

In this post, learn about some effective natural remedies to treat nausea and vomiting:
  • Boil equal quantities of powdered fennel seeds and dried mint leaves in water till it remains one-fourth . Take this decoction thrice daily.
  • Clove bud & fennel seeds masticated with betel leaf also provides relief from the sensation of vomiting.
  • To get relief of nausea and vomiting, one can slowly chew 1-2 cardamoms. A decoction can also be prepared by boiling cardamom with mint leaves. Add honey to taste and administer small quantities at regular intervals.
  • Prepare a mixture of ½ tsp ginger juice, 1 tsp mint juice, 1 tsp lemon juice with a tsp of honey and give to the patient for quick relief.
  • Extract juice from fresh young leaves of jamun and administer 10-20 ml of the same to the sufferer.
  • A decoction prepared by boiling equal parts of fennel and thyme seeds is beneficial for small babies in treating vomiting and indigestion.
  • Prepare a lemon drink with added sugar and rock salt. Administer it to the patient to provide him quick relief from nausea and vomiting. One may also lick a piece of lemon for instant relief. This is quite useful during the nausea associated with travelling.
  • To the freshly extracted basil juice, add equal proportions of mint and ginger juice and administer to the sufferer.
  • To control persistent vomiting, add 5-6 drops of neem leaves juice to a glass of warm milk & drink. 
  • Pound mint leaves and onion together & make a paste. Take 1-2 tsp of the paste thrice daily.
To cover up loss of body fluids during vomiting, one should drink water in moderate quantities from time to time. One should also avoid milk and milk products as vomiting makes body lactose intolerant. Steamed vegetables and vegetable soups in diet should be preferred over heavy meals. 

Spicy, acidic & high fat content foods can worsen the situation; therefore one should not include such foods in diet. Eating rice, oats, bananas, salads in the diet will provide relief from the symptoms.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Home Remedies for Boils

Boils
Boil is a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue in the skin. It starts as a small, red, painful nodule and gradually increases in size. After some time, this area becomes firmer while the center gets filled with white pus. Boils are tender to touch and can be very painful. These may appear on various body parts like head, face, breast, scalp, back, groin, underarms and buttocks. Boil can appear either single or collectively on the skin.

Boils are highly contagious and are caused by the bacteria,Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria enter into the body through the hair follicle or via small cuts on the skin. Boils are also caused due to blocked sweat glands. Some other reasons of this skin problem are diabetes, poor nutrition, poor hygiene, poor immune system, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, chemotherapy and exposure to harsh chemicals.

Boils rarely require medical attention and can be relieved with natural remedies, but often resolve on their own. The best cure for boils is to treat them as soon as they start developing. In this post, let’s find out some useful natural home remedies to treat boils effectively.

Natural Home Remedies for Boils
  • Cinnamon- Prepare a decoction of cinnamon by boiling down 4g of Cinnamon in 3 cups of water to one cup and decant. Administrating it twice daily, in early stages of boils, helps to subside them.
  • Babool- Applying hot poultice of powdered bark of white babool on boils either subsides them or suppurates them.
  • Drumstick- Applying a warm poultice of drumstick tree leaves in the early stages of boil, makes it subside. It also reduces inflammation accompanied with such glandular swellings.
  • Neem- Prepare a paste of neem leaves and apply the same over the affected area. Another way of treatment is to boil some neem leaves in water until the water evaporates to one-third and use the same to rinse the infected area.
  • Tea Tree Oil- To treat boils, dab a clean cotton ball into tea tree oil and gently apply it directly on the boil. Be cautious not to take tea tree oil internally.  
  • Turmeric- Stir a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drink this twice a day. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which are helpful in the treatment of boils. A paste of turmeric and fresh ginger can also be directly applied on the boils for relief.
  • Castor Oil- Dab clean cotton ball into castor oil. Apply this directly on the boil. This treatment can be followed 2-3 times a day.
  • Onion and Garlic- Applying a paste or warm juice of onion or garlic directly over the boil is an effective remedy for boils. This application hastens the process of ripening and subsequent drainage and bursting of boils. Try to add onion and garlic into your diet as much as possible.
  • Mulberry- Applying a hot poultice of tender mulberry leaves twice daily for a week subsides boils in its early stages.
  • Basil (Tulsi)- Crush some basil leaves with ginger and apply this mixture on the affected area to heal the boils.
  • Betel leaf- Gently warm a betal leaf till it becomes soft and coat it with a layer of castor oil. Now, place it over the inflammed part of the skin. Do not forget to replace the leaf every few hours. This application will rupture and drain out the boil.
  • Cumin Seeds- Grind some cumin seeds to make a paste in water. Apply it directly over the infected area.
  • Nutmeg (Jaiphal)- Nutmeg is another effective remedy for boils as it stimulates blood circulation in the body. For this, mix half a teaspoon of nutmeg powder in a cup of hot milk. Drink this preparation to prevent bacterial infection in the boil.
Home Remedies for Boils
Prevention is Better than cure
There are some measures that you can take to prevent boils from developing although these are not completely preventable. Good hygiene and the regular use of antibacterial soaps can help to prevent bacteria from building up on the skin. Use a clean towel and do not share it with others. Wash your hands to prevent bacteria from infecting the skin. Exfoliate your skin on the regular basis to prevent sweat ducts from blockage.

Foods high in sugar and fat should be avoided if you are prone to boils and skin abscesses. Including Vitamin A, C and E rich foods in your diet would surely help to combat boils. Zinc-rich foods are also good for the skin and aid the healing process significantly. Eating green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits is beneficial in keeping boils at bay. Alcohol, caffeine and caffeine products should be avoided as these can aggravate boils. Never squeeze a boil, otherwise, it may cause pain and spread the infection.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Remove Suntan Effectively with Home Remedies

Suntan is one of the major skin problems during the summer season. Due to sun exposure, melanin content in the skin increases and makes the skin tone darker. Even after applying sunscreen and using an umbrella for protection against harmful UV rays, one cannot escape tanning.

Do you know that there are many home remedies that you can make use of to get rid of skin tanning? Though the remedies are surely effective but remember, it may take at least a week of treatment to obtain noticeable results and to get your natural skin tone back. 

In this post, learn about some useful age-old herbal remedies to treat suntan and enjoy summers with a beautifully glowing fair skin.

Beneficial Home Remedies for Suntan
  • Soak a pinch of saffron in milk cream overnight and blend it in the same next morning. Massage the skin with this mixture for a flawless skin. It is one of the beneficial remedies for suntan too.
  • Take a tablespoon of curd and mix with it a teaspoon of tomato juice. Rub this mixture over the exposed skin and leave it for 20 minutes for treating suntan.
  • Massage the tanned skin with mashed papaya pulp and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
  • Take equal amounts of fuller’s earth and sandalwood powder. Add rose water to the same to make it into a paste. Apply over face and neck as face pack and wash off after 15 minutes for best results.
  • Another effective remedy is to prepare a paste by mixing gram flour in butter milk and apply over the affected area. Scrub it off after 20 minutes with water.
  • Application of a mixture of equal proportions of cucumber and lemon juice is also useful in getting rid of suntan. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off with water.
  • To cure suntan, grind a raw potato and collect its juice. Apply the same over the exposed area of the skin and leave for 20-30 minutes. Wash off with water.
  • Application of aloe vera gel also gives relief to sun tanned skin but take precautions of not going out in the sun just after the treatment.
  • Take a tablespoon of dried orange peel powder and mix a pinch of turmeric powder to the same. Prepare a paste by adding some rose water and apply over the sun exposed parts. This remedy is known to be very effective in getting rid of a tan as well as making the skin supple and soft.
  • Application of a mixture of honey and lemon juice over affected area has proved to be another useful anti-tan pack.
  • Prepare a paste of oatmeal in buttermilk and apply over the tanned skin for 30 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
Note: One should avoid going out in the sun between 11 am to 4 pm. Use of sunscreen (at least up to 30 SPF) is a must before going out.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of the Banyan Tree


The Banyan Tree: Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses
Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), the National Tree of India, grows in hot tropical climates prevalent in most parts of India. The name originates from the word ‘Baniya’ or ‘Indian traders’ who sat below the tree shades for meetings and other useful gatherings. The tree is also known by other names such as the Nyagrodhah, Bargad, Peral, Vata, Vatagach, Sriksha, Bahupada and Skandaja.

There are many sacred beliefs and mythological references about this tree. In Hindu culture, the tree is often called 'kalpavriksha', which means 'a divine tree that fulfills wishes'. The leaves of the tree are considered to be the resting place of Lord Krishna. Buddha is believed to have enlightened meditating under banyan tree at Bodhgaya. In the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is sometimes depicted sitting in silence, under the banyan tree, with the saints sitting at His feet.

The Banyan tree has roots growing on the outside which turn thicker into woods and spread out wider in the region over the years. The tree can grow for a few hundred years and in the process spread its roots over acres of land. One of the widest tree in the world, the Great Banyan is located in Kolkata (India). The tree is said to be about 250 years old. Another such tree, Doda Alada Mara, located in Bangalore, has a spread of over 2 acres.

In Ayurveda, the bark, latex, leaf buds as well as the fruits of the tree are used as ingredients in medicine. Some of the active chemical constituents found in the plant include phytosterolin, ketones, flavonoids, flavonols, sterols, oentacylic triterpenes, triterpenoids, furocoumarin, tiglic acid ester and other esters. Owing to its active chemical composition, there are various medicinal uses of the banyan tree.

In Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha medicine, the milky latex from the stems and leaves of the tree is applied to bruises and to parts of the body that are causing pain. Extract of the roots and the leaves are useful for curing various skin related problems. For healthy hair, crushed prop roots paste is applied to hair. The same formulation is also used as a skin conditionerSkin ulcers are treated with a paste made from mixing water with ground plant material from the aerial roots of the tree.The milk juice obtained from tree bark is also used as a natural remedy to get rid of skin moles.

Roots of the Banyan Tree
The latex of the plant is applied to the gums to treat toothache and bleeding gums.The bark and seeds are used as a tonic to maintain body temperatureDiabetic patients are also treated by the tonic made from banyan tree. Banyan fruit and its juice are used in rheumatism and lumbago. The bark of banyan is useful in controlling cholesterol. It decreases LDL or bad cholesterol while HDL or good cholesterol levels are maintained.

Taking banyan bark and juice on a regular basis improves the immune function of the body and helps fight against disease causing microorganisms. Treatment for piles is yet another one of the medicinal uses of the banyan tree wherein a few drops of the latex of the banyan tree is given with milk as part of a natural treatment for bleeding piles. Dried roots powder of banyan with milk is also beneficial in the treatment of female sterility and leucorrhea.

In addition to the medicinal benefits of the banyan tree, it is also known to have a variety of other uses. The sap produced by banyan tree is used to produce shellac, a strong adhesive. It can also be used to make surface-finisher and for polishing brass and copper. The wood of the tree is used for door panels, well curbs, furniture and boxes. Using the bark of the tree, paper can be created. In India, the broad leaves of the banyan tree are dried and used as plates. The rubber, produced from the sticky milk of banyan tree, is used for gardening. People make use of the roots of the tree to make ropes, in order to secure wood bundles.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Play Holi Naturally! Make Natural Organic Colors at Home!

Play Holi Naturally! Make Natural Organic Colors at Home!
Playing Holi in Indian style means a blast of colors all over you. But when these chemically loaded colors come in contact with the skin, they tend to react and cause allergies and other skin related problems. The colors available in market are extremely harmful and stink due to the presence of harsh chemicals in them.

Chemicals like Copper Sulphate (Green) causes eye allergy, temporary blindness; Aluminium Bromide (Silver) may prove to be Carcinogenic; Lead Oxide (Black) can cause renal failure & learning disability; Chromium Iodide (Purple) can lead to bronchial asthma & allergies; Mercury Sulphite (Red) can lead to Skin cancer!!! After learning this, don’t you think that using natural colors is the safest option as they would go off easily, won’t harm your skin and won’t even cost you much.

Holi can be fun by using environment friendly colours. Let’s explore the fascinating world of natural harmless colours that not only are gentle on our skin but are also helping to save our environment and conserve our biodiversity.

Make Natural Organic Colors at Home
Prepare Natural colours at Home
Natural colours can be easily made at home. Here are a few ideas on how to create your own natural colours and stay away from harmful chemicals. So, get set to be drenched in colours, without any worries.

Beautiful and bright Yellow  can be prepared at home by these simple methods.
  • Dry the rind of the Bael fruit and grind to obtain a yellow colored gulal.
  • Mix turmeric powder with double the quantity of gram flour (besan) to be used as yellow gulal. Besan can be substituted by wheat, rice or talcum powder. Turmeric can also be boiled in water to get deep yellow color. 
  • Soak marigold flowers in water and boil it to get yellow color solution. 
  • Dry the petals of flowers like yellow chrysanthemum, Amaltas or marigold and grind them to obtain different shades of yellow. Use this powder with gram flour or use it separately.
Vibrant and Energetic Red is one of the most favorable colors used in Holi. Use the simple tips to make the red colour at home: 
  • Dry red rose petals by spreading them on newspaper. Grind these rose petals and use this red powder as `gulal`. 
  • Dry red hibiscus flowers in the shade and grind them to a lovely red color. 
  • The red sandalwood powder can also be used as Red Gulal. It is beneficial for skin. For wet colour, boil 2 tsp of red sandalwood powder in 5 liters of water. Dilute it with twenty liters of water to get red color solution. 
  • Mix a pinch of lime powder in half a cup of water and add 2 tsp of turmeric powder in it. Use only after diluting with 10 litres of water for red colour.
  • Peels of red pomegranate can be boiled in water to obtain red colour.
  • Madder Tree Wood can also be boiled in water to get a lovely red color. 
  • Sinduria (Annato) fruit contains lovely brick color red seeds which can be used  to  obtain both dry and wet colors.
Saffron and orange colors are easy to prepare at home. Try these methods-
  • Add little turmeric and sandalwood powder to rose water to make a saffron color solution. 
  • Mix a pinch of sandalwood powder in 1 litre of water for an instant, beautiful and fragrant saffron color.
  • Collect and dry the stalks of Harashringar flowers during the early winter season. Soak them in water to get a pleasant orange color.
  • The flowers, Tesu, Palash or Dhak can be soaked overnight in water and can also be boiled to obtain a fragrant yellowish orange colored water.
  • Soak a few stalks of Saffron in 2 tbsp of water. Leave for few hours and grind to make a fine paste. Dilute with water for desired color strength.
Green Colour has a calming and healing effect, in its natural and herbal form. To prepare the same at home, go for these suggested methods-
  • Use Henna (mehendi) powder mixed with equal quantity of any flour to attain a lovely green shade. Dry mehendi will not leave color on your face as it can be easily brushed off. Only mehendi mixed in water might leave a slight color on face. To prepare wet colour, mix 2 tsp of mehendi in a litre of water and stir well.
  • Gulmohar, spinach, coriander or mint leaves can be dried and ground to get a rich green gulal. Dry and finely powder the Gulmohur tree leaves for a natural Green gulal.
  • Crush the tender leaves of the Wheat plant to obtain a natural safe green Holi color.
Blue and Magenta are the colors of new beginnings and creative expression. Learn about the simple ways to make these at home-
  • Crush berries of the Indigo tree and add to water for desired color strength. The leaves of Indigo plant can also yield rich blue color, when boiled in water. 
  • Jacaranda flowers that bloom in summers can be dried in the shade and ground to obtain a lovely blue gulal.
  • Grate a beetroot and soak in water overnight for a wonderful magenta colour solution. Boil or leave overnight in water for a deeper shade.
Celebrating an eco-friendly Holi can make a difference to this colorful festival. So, work out these fabulous options and have a happy and safe holi.

May This Festival Fills Your Life with 
Colours of Love, Happiness, Health and Success! 
HerbHealtH Wishes You and Your Family 
A Very Happy and Colourful Holi!

Make Natural Organic Colors at Home

Note: While natural colours are usually considered safe, do look out for any reactions or rashes. Each person is different and people with sensitive skin may react to everyday herbs or ingredients.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Rosemary: A Cancer Fighting Spice

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
For centuries, culinary herbs have been the healthy seasonings and an abundant source of healing chemicals. A recent USDA study revealed that many popular herbs are a great source of natural antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals that are believed to be a major trigger to development of cancer.

In many parts of the world, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, family Lamiaceae), is a common household plant that is used for many purposes including food flavoring, drink, and beverages, as well as cosmetic uses. Rosemary has also been used commercially as an antimicrobial food preservative for years, as it has a lot to offer as a nutritional supplement, especially in the prevention of some types of cancer, allergies, and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Various studies have shown that rosemary can help prevent cancer and age-related skin damage. Rosemary contains more than two dozen antioxidants, including carnosic acid, one of the only antioxidants that deactivate free radicals through a multilevel cascade approach. In vitro studies have shown that as carnosic acid attacks free radicals, it is transformed into at least four other antioxidant compounds, each with the ability to neutralize additional free radicals.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
The two key ingredients, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, found in rosemary, are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that help protect the body's cells from free radical damage. Rich in carnosol, Rosemary has been found to detoxify substances that can initiate the breast-cancer process. The antioxidants in rosemary have also been found to prevent the development of cancer in human liver and bronchial cells. 
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